Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Parents get in touch with us when they are at the end of their tether. We are often their last point of call. The system is so bureaucratic they do not know how to get through it. I believe SENOs should have to deal with public representatives. I do not mind having to ask parents to sign a letter to prove I have been in touch with them. However, if I have all the information in respect of a particular child, it is from his or her parents I am getting it. The system needs to change.

Speech and language therapy is another area where people are falling through the system. The Minister of State will be aware that a huge number of our speech and language therapists are on maternity leave. As a result, children are not receiving the full therapy allocated to them. I agree with Deputy Conlon that everybody wants inclusivity. However, children cannot get it without the supports they need.

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